QQ-Box USB DVB-S Tuner - Unknown Device?

[zamar23]

This is the Data Sheet for FM24C02U/03U EEPROM. Why don't you use the utility PonyProg or ask Fairchild Semiconductor for a utility to read EEPROM. It looks like LME is in fact this box's manufacturer, so why don't ask them, how to update the device firmware in your case? Or, may be they'll ship you a new one for free as a reward for actively promoting their product in NA via this thread?

 

[1ADAM12]

Ebay Programmer

Found this 24C02 Programmer on eBay.

Hope that they will send me a chip already programmed.

Zamar23- Like your new Avitar.

 

[zamar23]

I support your previous idea though. Why don't give their manager a link to this thread, so they can explain here, how to use their device, and who's their NA dealer to deal with for warranty or device replacement. I know its sold on EBay, but its price attracts a lot of people, so they have to accept responsibility not only for profit sharing, but also for service to those who pay dues.

 

[1ADAM12]

Serial Port 24C02 Programmer

This is the EEPROM programmer for the 24C02 and a laptop PC.

To be used with Pony Prog software and the LME firmware.

 

[1ADAM12]

"The E2PROM is not necessory, it just for separating customer product ID.

If the voltage around LME2510C and clock is normal, please change other computer or WinXP system to test if the USB TV box is good.

Because we can't see the phenomenon what you are faciing, so we can't provide more good solution. if it is possible, Please mail your TV Box to our company and we will test and repair it. But it maybe cost much post fee."

This is the reply I received from LME.

There is a 12Mhz crystal for the LME2510C so I will replace that and see what happens.

 

[zamar23]

May be you can finally suggest them, how to design the receiver?
If they don't listen, aren't they supposed to send you a prepaid flat rate box for this to go in and out?

 

[1ADAM12]

LME has been very good in customer support. With the length of time round trip via post office is too slow.

They have this link as you suggested.

I have had fun trying to get this operating. I am hopeful that it is the 12mhz crystal which I ordered from Mouser today. If that is not the problem, then it has to be the LME2510C. I don't think they will send me one of those.

It would be nice if they sent me a tested circuit board, I don't need the metal housing. But I don't think they make these anymore.

 

[zamar23]

Someone has to make this stuff, its all over EBay. They should possibly know who, or it can be derived from the EEPROM product ID.

 

[1ADAM12]

LME has sent me a software tool to run before connecting the receiver and then start a log file and connect the receiver. When I send them the file they will be able to see what is wrong.

They also will be able to do a remote access to my PC.

 

[zamar23]

Its seems to be a remarkable progress with this company learning curve of the effect of SatelliteGuys' fans opinion on their success in NA. Collectively we can help finalize their product design and possibly bring it to local market. It's a nice looking cheapy box after all. Are they offering some perks for such effort?

 

[1ADAM12]

The Saga continues-

Received new 12MHZ crystal and installed.

Old Crystal was bad.

Now have lnbf voltages and Lock and Power LED are on.

Ran Debug and it reports failed USBDriver install.

Windows Vista reports Unknown USB Device.

Re installed all software, no joy.

Reported results to LME, waiting for reply.

 

[zamar23]

I guess, now its time for them to connect to your PC remotely. And may be they can remotely test and replace their USB chip as well? I've seen such reports about surgery remotely performed by a robot. Not a bad idea for their customer support.

 

[1ADAM12]

I have asked them to send me a lmeUSB.dll that they know works. Their software just does not set the correct operating conditions for the USB port. They are reluctant to believe their software is bad.

In Debug it shows the USB as being set and then released within a few hundreths of a second.

I give this about a 10% chance of ever getting this running.

There is no USB chip, everything is in the VLSI LME2510C.

 

[zamar23]

This is the integrated USB chip. If they are reluctant to believe, why don't connect remotely to your PC, as they offered? It's taking so much effort to revive and make this device work that only a few users will be able or willing to go that route, but its also an interesting challenge for a serious FTA hobbyist, and the results may help LME to design a new better reference or production run DVB-S tuner. :up

 

[1ADAM12]

Vista error message screen shot

Vista 32 does not recognize the driver.

 

[1ADAM12]

Found Device

LME tech support-

I almost can give a conclusion for your problem.
You checked the voltage around LME2510C and it is good. and picture shows that the VID_0000 and PID_0000, it means taht the LME2510C doesn't work.

Please check the voltage of Pin18 (RESET) during you plug in the USB TV BOX, normally it should be 0V after a short time 3.3V. but maybe it is difficult for you to test it, because it only can be captured by oscillograph. if you don't have the oscillograph. you can directly change C314 and R310 and check again to see if the TV BOX works. if you did all and it doesn't work yet, there is only one result: LME2510C is broken. and I will send you some good LME2510C , you can replace it yourself and I think the problem should be solved.

OP- note you find this by clicking on "Unknown USB Device" and following path to "Device Instance Path"

Seems strange to have bad Xtal and uP on same board.

 

[zamar23]

I wonder if after replacing ALL chips on this famous QQ board their tuner will start finally working? And if it'll be able to lock any signal after that? It may be too early in the game to predict happy ending just yet.

 

[1ADAM12]

Removed LME2510C from PCB, waiting for new part.

There is a wealth of Customer Support information for the QQ Box here in this thread.

At the cost of $39 and free shipping, I hope someone here buys one and reports in this thread their experience. It's a neat little receiver and when I get it working I would buy their DVB-S2 when it becomes available.

 

[1ADAM12]

Works Good

Received replacement LME2510C.
Installed and booted PC.
Windows reports LME Device Driver Sucessfully Installed!
That never happened before.
Booted BlazeVideo.
"Would you like to scan channels?"
Yes.
Setup lnbf, switches and satellite works good.
Signal Strength and Signal Quality meters work good.
PBS HDTV channels work good, Codec is smooth and fast.
PVR function works good.

I'm happy

What I found:

12Mhz xtal bad ( probably original production problem )
Original LME2510C had been replaced and foil was damaged.
Unfortunately I had to destroy a perfectly good chip to replace it.
Some how it got through QC, must have been a Friday

This may have been a one in a thousand instance.

This makes it really handi for setting up dishes. Just take my laptop, this tiny little device and extension cord to the dish.

 

[zamar23]

Congrats! Can you show some Blaze pics with scanned channels, a TV Show on the screen, and this tuner model clearly ID'd by the Viewer?

Btw, would you consider becoming a dealer for this vendor: solid profit is predictable from selling this great device!? And you already established a good rapport with the company... I know some companies setup shops here to re-solder defective chips, so it should be no problem. :up